‘I was silenced’: Montreal author told she couldn’t hold English book reading in library due to Quebec language law

A Montreal author says she was outraged after a library official told her she couldn't host a reading of her book in English because of Quebec's language law.

A public library in Montreal admitted it made a mistake when it refused to organize a reading event for a local author because of Quebec’s language law, commonly known as Bill 96.

“I was silenced,” said Maria Caltabiano in an interview with CTV News.

Last week, she went in to ask if she could organize a reading event in English for her first-ever published book — a collection of poems she wrote remembering her late husband who died of cancer.

She was initially told no.

The reason: Quebec’s language law.

Caltabiano was told she had to do the reading in French or hire a translator but she says translating poetry is a challenge and finding someone is a hassle.

She says she left the library feeling like a second-class citizen.

It was an ‘unfortunate situation,’ city says

The City of Montreal, which oversees the public library system, told CTV News it was an honest mistake by the employee, adding that Bill 96 is “complex.”

“It’s an unfortunate situation and it’s the kind of situation we want to avoid,” the city said in a written statement.

“The city has been working for several months to ensure compliance with the government’s new law. In fact, Montreal was the first city to adopt the exemplarity directive required by Quebec. Even so, the application of this law remains highly complex, given the large number of possible situations that need to be managed, and when it comes to determining when the law does or does not apply. These issues were shared in Quebec City to promote a common understanding.”

The city added: “This case is a good example. What we have here is a member of staff who, to the best of his knowledge and with goodwill, tried to apply the law. The Quebec government has clarified its position, and additional clear directives have been sent to teams, but it remains complex to apply on a case-by-case basis. Our libraries are meeting places and gathering places for the communities they serve, and the entire population is welcome to use them.”

Caltabiano says the lack of clarity around Quebec’s language law is confusing.

“I don’t know how the city can make a statement saying it’s a mistake. But is it a mistake in the library’s interpretation of Bill 96? I’m confused as well,” she said.

A similar situation happened earlier this year when another library told an author he wasn’t allowed to host his book club because it was in English.

• Montreal author relieved after city apologizes for book club rejection

The province said that shouldn’t have happened in the first place.

In this latest case, Quebec’s language ministry declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Caltabiano says she’s happy she gets to host her event but it will be with mixed feelings

“I won’t feel as comfortable, that’s for sure,” she said.